When you step inside a home, the entryway sets the tone. For one California family, moving into a newly built house meant starting with a blank slate—builder-grade finishes that didn’t reflect their style, warmth or story. With a clear vision and a paint color dream come true, Caitlin Fitch turned her basic entry into a timeless and inviting space that truly says welcome home. 

A New Home, Ready for Character 

Caitlin's home was built earlier this year with thoughtful traditional details that bring more character than the average new build. Since moving in, they’ve been layering in design choices that make the house feel not just new—but lived in and loved. “I want guests to feel comfortable and at home in our home,” the homeowner shares. “Timeless pieces paired with storied, collected ones will always find their way into my designs.” 

The Before: A Builder-Grade Blank Slate 

Before

Like so many new builds, the entryway started out neutral and bare—functional, but without personality. “I knew I wanted it to feel like a warm, inviting hug upon entering,” she explains. “A precursor for your sensory experience of the rest of the home.” The goal was to create a space that would feel timeless, cozy and versatile enough to transition seamlessly with the seasons and through the years. 

Building Layers of Timeless Style 

To achieve that vision, she started with architectural details: adding crown molding and vertical shiplap for texture and structure. Wallpaper in a neutral pattern was applied to the upper portion of the walls and ceiling, instantly adding depth and visual interest. Then came the finishing touch—paint.

Why Paint Matters 

“I selected all the finishes first—floor stain, antique brass lighting, the wood and marble tones of a vintage hutch—and then tested our swatches against them,” she explains. While On Point was initially on her radar, the entryway’s north-facing light told a different story. “Once I saw the samples in the space, it was instantly clear that Classic was the perfect complimentary match.” 

After

Paint became the unifying element that pulled together every layer of the design. “The aptly titled Classic was the cherry on top for the timeless entryway we created,” she says. 

A Curated, Collected Welcome 

With the walls finished, the real warmth came from furniture and styling. A vintage English hutch anchors the space, topped with a veined green marble slab and antique hardware. Styled with a Louis XIV mirror, family photos, candles and a statement vase of faux stems, the vignette blends traditional and modern in a way that feels lived-in and intentional. A vintage rug underfoot completes the look.

The Takeaway: Paint Is the Easiest Upgrade 

The entryway now feels layered, personal, and inviting—proof that builder-grade basics can be transformed with a few thoughtful updates. But as the homeowner reflects, paint was the most impactful change. “Timeless designs never disappoint and truly never go out of style,” she says. “And Classic was the finishing touch that helped this space tell its story.” 

Beyond Builder-Grade 

This project is a reminder that when you’re faced with a blank canvas, the simplest updates (like paint) can make the biggest difference. With our carefully curated palette, finding a color that feels personal and timeless is easier than ever. For this family, it was the key to turning a house into a warm, intentional home that always feels welcoming.